Melloni's marks 20 years of fine foods

But, it's a question
lobbed at me many times throughout the year. "Are you related to the meat guy?"
"No," I say. "His name is M-e-l-l-o-n-i, and mine is M-a-l-o-n-i."

In a recent
conversation with Lou Melloni, proprietor of Melloni's on Center Street, I
wondered aloud if anyone ever asked him if he's related to me.

"No," he said
matter-of-factly.

Hmmm. I guess I'll
have to work on that.

While Lou and his wife,
Diane, are not known for their association with me, they are famous for their
selection of meats - homemade Italian sausage, in particular.

For 20 years, they've
served the same, filler-free product. Each link is 100 percent pork, 85 to 90
percent lean, and properly weighed and mixed with the right blend of spices.
It's a recipe that originated in Bologna, Italy.

"We don't throw any
junk in our sausages," Lou said.

Served with peppers
and onions inside a sub roll, the sandwich is juicy and delicious - so much so,
that's Melloni's serves up 1,000 pounds of sausage each week.

Moreover, Lou said
sausages have traveled to every state except Hawaii.

Melloni's Meats,
Catering and Deli is located at 555 Center St. For more information, call
754-8914 or stop in and try a sausage, brat or N.Y.-style sandwich for
yourself.